1928 Proof Penny

A coin with the name Richard Williams on it is worth serious attention. You just know it has to be brilliant! His passion for Australian coins was in the area of Commonwealth coinage, his collection littered with finest known examples.

A coin with the name Richard Williams on it is worth serious attention. You just know it has to be brilliant! His passion for Australian coins was in the area of Commonwealth coinage, his collection littered with finest known examples.

This piece is an exceptional quality proof coin, sharply struck with much original copper brilliance. (Even a hint of brilliance in a coin out of this era is highly regarded)

We researched the number of Proof 1928 Pennies that have come up at auction and can confirm that only six examples have been sighted over the past 40 years; this coin being one of the finest.

While the rarity alone seals an everlasting appeal, this coin will also be in demand for its role in Australia’s currency history. It was struck by authority of the mint-master at the Melbourne Mint to record the mint’s coining achievements in 1928 through the creation of a stunning showpiece coin: a magnificent model piece.

Destined for Government archives as a means of preserving our coining history for future generations, the coins were not struck to be sold to collectors as part of any profit-making exercise – and not struck to go into circulation.

The coin was also used to showcase the mint’s coining skills by being on show at Exhibitions or sent to other mint’s that came under the Royal Mint umbrella.

The production of proofs in this era necessitated a ‘kid-gloves’ approach and was labour intensive: hence the limited numbers struck.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire an important piece of Australia’s minting history.